Mike Arnone
@freakingcoolindies.com
🔦Take the FEAR Out of Indie Game Marketing 👻
🎮 Turning Indie Devs to 'Indiepreneurs'
🌟 Step-by-step guides, breakdowns & interviews
🇨🇦 Broadcasting from Toronto
https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/
🎮 Turning Indie Devs to 'Indiepreneurs'
🌟 Step-by-step guides, breakdowns & interviews
🇨🇦 Broadcasting from Toronto
https://freakingcoolindies.com/resources/
The final episode of 2025 is LIVE!
Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with the one and only DevDuck
An absolute honour to chat with the legend himself, and what an amazing day to end off the year.
Watch Now: youtu.be/w10BNpzgJs0
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with the one and only DevDuck
An absolute honour to chat with the legend himself, and what an amazing day to end off the year.
Watch Now: youtu.be/w10BNpzgJs0
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
December 30, 2025 at 2:01 PM
The final episode of 2025 is LIVE!
Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with the one and only DevDuck
An absolute honour to chat with the legend himself, and what an amazing day to end off the year.
Watch Now: youtu.be/w10BNpzgJs0
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
Devlogs, Discipline, and No Zero Days with the one and only DevDuck
An absolute honour to chat with the legend himself, and what an amazing day to end off the year.
Watch Now: youtu.be/w10BNpzgJs0
Happy New Year, everyone! 🎉
My favourite quote from tomorrows episode with DevDuck!
"No Zero Days is really important to me. Some days I'll work for an hour and a half, other days, if I'm not feeling it, I will literally add some to do comments in my code. I did my little 1% and I can live with that."
— Ben Nowak (DevDuck)
"No Zero Days is really important to me. Some days I'll work for an hour and a half, other days, if I'm not feeling it, I will literally add some to do comments in my code. I did my little 1% and I can live with that."
— Ben Nowak (DevDuck)
December 30, 2025 at 1:51 AM
My favourite quote from tomorrows episode with DevDuck!
"No Zero Days is really important to me. Some days I'll work for an hour and a half, other days, if I'm not feeling it, I will literally add some to do comments in my code. I did my little 1% and I can live with that."
— Ben Nowak (DevDuck)
"No Zero Days is really important to me. Some days I'll work for an hour and a half, other days, if I'm not feeling it, I will literally add some to do comments in my code. I did my little 1% and I can live with that."
— Ben Nowak (DevDuck)
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Super sad news.
Rest in peace icon
Rest in peace icon
Vince always felt like "one of us" from the way he spoke at meetings even though he was in senior corporate leadership. I only met him irl once at a Respawn family event and he seemed like just a down to earth regular dad. What a tragic loss.
gameinformer.com/2025/12/22/v...
gameinformer.com/2025/12/22/v...
Vince Zampella, Respawn Co-Founder And Head Of Battlefield Series, Dead At 55
He was killed in a car crash Sunday afternoon.
gameinformer.com
December 22, 2025 at 9:38 PM
Super sad news.
Rest in peace icon
Rest in peace icon
Reposted by Mike Arnone
Just watched another video with Steam page optimization tips and I wanted to highlight how great host Mike (@freakingcoolindies.com) is.
And of course thanks to his guest @jarvdusa.bsky.social for tons of knowledge!
(🔗Link in comment if you're interested)
And of course thanks to his guest @jarvdusa.bsky.social for tons of knowledge!
(🔗Link in comment if you're interested)
December 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Just watched another video with Steam page optimization tips and I wanted to highlight how great host Mike (@freakingcoolindies.com) is.
And of course thanks to his guest @jarvdusa.bsky.social for tons of knowledge!
(🔗Link in comment if you're interested)
And of course thanks to his guest @jarvdusa.bsky.social for tons of knowledge!
(🔗Link in comment if you're interested)
🚨 New episode is live.
I'll keep it short and sweet. If you have a steam page, or if you in the process of making one.
WATCH THIS EPISODE!
1 hour of your time = A fully optimized steam page.
youtu.be/C8c3PRRgv10
I'll keep it short and sweet. If you have a steam page, or if you in the process of making one.
WATCH THIS EPISODE!
1 hour of your time = A fully optimized steam page.
youtu.be/C8c3PRRgv10
How Steam Actually Decides Which Indie Games Get Seen
YouTube video by Freaking Cool Indies
youtu.be
December 16, 2025 at 1:45 PM
🚨 New episode is live.
I'll keep it short and sweet. If you have a steam page, or if you in the process of making one.
WATCH THIS EPISODE!
1 hour of your time = A fully optimized steam page.
youtu.be/C8c3PRRgv10
I'll keep it short and sweet. If you have a steam page, or if you in the process of making one.
WATCH THIS EPISODE!
1 hour of your time = A fully optimized steam page.
youtu.be/C8c3PRRgv10
Friendly PSA on this lovely Sunday evening.
Your indie games CTR (Click Through Rate) is steam's currency
Steam's algorithm prioritizes games based on click through rates.
- Below 0.5% gets your game buried
- 1-2% keeps you safe
- above 3% means Steam actively promotes your game to more users
Your indie games CTR (Click Through Rate) is steam's currency
Steam's algorithm prioritizes games based on click through rates.
- Below 0.5% gets your game buried
- 1-2% keeps you safe
- above 3% means Steam actively promotes your game to more users
December 15, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Friendly PSA on this lovely Sunday evening.
Your indie games CTR (Click Through Rate) is steam's currency
Steam's algorithm prioritizes games based on click through rates.
- Below 0.5% gets your game buried
- 1-2% keeps you safe
- above 3% means Steam actively promotes your game to more users
Your indie games CTR (Click Through Rate) is steam's currency
Steam's algorithm prioritizes games based on click through rates.
- Below 0.5% gets your game buried
- 1-2% keeps you safe
- above 3% means Steam actively promotes your game to more users
I have been waiting for this day for MANY years and I couldn't be more excited.
Let's do this, Samus!
#MetroidPrime4Beyond
Let's do this, Samus!
#MetroidPrime4Beyond
December 4, 2025 at 11:22 PM
I have been waiting for this day for MANY years and I couldn't be more excited.
Let's do this, Samus!
#MetroidPrime4Beyond
Let's do this, Samus!
#MetroidPrime4Beyond
What amazing soul want's to help a guys dream come true and be my 700th youtube subscriber! 😭 🙏 🩵
If you are an indie dev struggling with the business and marketing side of game creation, every ounce of my channel is dedicated to helping you.
www.youtube.com/@freakingcoo...
I appreciate you! 🫶
If you are an indie dev struggling with the business and marketing side of game creation, every ounce of my channel is dedicated to helping you.
www.youtube.com/@freakingcoo...
I appreciate you! 🫶
December 3, 2025 at 2:31 AM
What amazing soul want's to help a guys dream come true and be my 700th youtube subscriber! 😭 🙏 🩵
If you are an indie dev struggling with the business and marketing side of game creation, every ounce of my channel is dedicated to helping you.
www.youtube.com/@freakingcoo...
I appreciate you! 🫶
If you are an indie dev struggling with the business and marketing side of game creation, every ounce of my channel is dedicated to helping you.
www.youtube.com/@freakingcoo...
I appreciate you! 🫶
Newest edition to my indie game vinyl collection 🔥🔥🔥 @maxinfernogames.bsky.social ! It finally came in! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
November 30, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Newest edition to my indie game vinyl collection 🔥🔥🔥 @maxinfernogames.bsky.social ! It finally came in! 🙌🏻🙌🏻
Reposted by Mike Arnone
New on #RGS 🎮 Bouncing Ball Mayhem: SYDLESS Demo Smashes Onto Steam. Read more on our site:
SYDLESS Demo Now Live on Steam – Fast FPS with Bouncing Ball Combat
SYDLESS demo drops on Steam! Master a deadly bouncing ball, battle warped customers, and survive a reality-bending fast FPS from Opia Games.
f.mtr.cool
November 11, 2025 at 3:31 AM
New on #RGS 🎮 Bouncing Ball Mayhem: SYDLESS Demo Smashes Onto Steam. Read more on our site:
Buzzing right now. Just wrapped recording with @maxinfernogames.bsky.social talking about their incredible cozy hit, 'A Little to the Left.'
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
November 6, 2025 at 12:29 AM
Buzzing right now. Just wrapped recording with @maxinfernogames.bsky.social talking about their incredible cozy hit, 'A Little to the Left.'
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Lukas, Annie - you both are absolute rock stars!
Episode will be releasing on Tuesday!
Reposted by Mike Arnone
It's been a rough January for me between the fire and other stuff. But GDC is around the corner, so here's an update after 7 months (sorry!)
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Alan's Gamedev Resources Sheet (Public)
docs.google.com
January 29, 2025 at 9:14 AM
It's been a rough January for me between the fire and other stuff. But GDC is around the corner, so here's an update after 7 months (sorry!)
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
As an anecdote, the list of pubs/investors went from 281 to 254 despite adding a few :-/
Take care everyone♥️
docs.google.com/spreadsheets...
Reposted by Mike Arnone
🎙️✨ @freakingcoolindies.com is the podcast for indie devs who mean business.
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Freaking Cool Indies – The Podcast Helping Indie Devs Become Indiepreneurs
Freaking Cool Indies is a podcast where indie devs & marketing pros share real strategies to help your game get noticed and succeed.
f.mtr.cool
September 19, 2025 at 9:11 AM
🎙️✨ @freakingcoolindies.com is the podcast for indie devs who mean business.
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
Actionable tips from devs & marketing pros to help your game thrive.
👉 https://f.mtr.cool/rberljyxci
#IndieDev #GameDev #IndieGames #Podcast
🦵NEW EPISODE: Kickstarter Reward Strategy: Lessons from $300K in Successful Campaigns with Sam from Indievelopment!
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
September 18, 2025 at 1:15 AM
🦵NEW EPISODE: Kickstarter Reward Strategy: Lessons from $300K in Successful Campaigns with Sam from Indievelopment!
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
🎧 Listen now: freakingcoolindies.com/12-2/
Trobbio has one of the best death animations in all of gaming. What a performer!! (Hated this boss so much, though! 🌪️🌪️)
September 17, 2025 at 11:11 PM
Trobbio has one of the best death animations in all of gaming. What a performer!! (Hated this boss so much, though! 🌪️🌪️)
Fun fact for yeah! 73% of successful Steam games had active communities BEFORE launch (GameDiscoverCo data).
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
September 15, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Fun fact for yeah! 73% of successful Steam games had active communities BEFORE launch (GameDiscoverCo data).
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Why it matters: Building an audience isn't post-launch work, it's pre-production work.
Start today: Share your dev journey, not just your finished game.
You got this, friend!
Show and tell time! 📢
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
September 15, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Show and tell time! 📢
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Working on something (freaking) cool?
Drop your:
🎞️ Game trailers
📄 Steam store pages
📸 Dev screenshots
💪 Anything you're proud of!
Best submissions get featured in next week's digest. 🚀
Happy 24th Birthday, GameCube!
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
September 14, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Happy 24th Birthday, GameCube!
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
Double Dash, Metroid Prime, RE4, Soul Calibre, the hits go on.
Underrated console IMO
🌟 INDIE SPOTLIGHT: Star Rift Saga
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
September 14, 2025 at 4:01 PM
🌟 INDIE SPOTLIGHT: Star Rift Saga
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
My guest this week, Jacob Vela didn't just talk legal theory, he walked the walk. His Metroidvania is great, and it features a brilliant Tetris-like skill customization system. Good stuff, Jacob!
Check it out: store.steampowered.com/app/2158690/Star_Rift_Saga/
When friends make a game together without formal agreements, who owns the IP by default?
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
September 13, 2025 at 10:22 PM
When friends make a game together without formal agreements, who owns the IP by default?
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
ALL OF THEM. Equally.
Regardless of contribution. This creates a legal nightmare where anyone can sell the game.
Contracts aren't about trust, they're about clarity.
This week's newsletter is PACKED 📦
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
Freaking Cool Indies
Become an 'Indiepreneur'
freakingcoolindies.com
September 13, 2025 at 4:01 PM
This week's newsletter is PACKED 📦
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
✅ IP protection basics with lawyer Jacob Vela
✅ FREE professional sound effects from GDC
✅ Star Rift Saga indie spotlight
Everything you need to level up your game dev journey in one digest.
Subscribe: freakingcoolindies.com
Friday feelings: What's one small win you had this week in your game development journey? Could be fixing a bug, finishing an asset, or just opening your engine. Celebrate the small victories!
September 12, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Friday feelings: What's one small win you had this week in your game development journey? Could be fixing a bug, finishing an asset, or just opening your engine. Celebrate the small victories!
This week are talking game law! ⚖️ 💼
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
September 12, 2025 at 12:47 AM
This week are talking game law! ⚖️ 💼
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
What's the most confusing legal thing about game development that you've always wondered about?
Drop your questions below and let's help each other learn!
No question is too basic.
🚨 NEW EPISODE: From Idea to Trademark: Protecting Your Indie Game the Right Way ⚖️
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
September 11, 2025 at 1:46 PM
🚨 NEW EPISODE: From Idea to Trademark: Protecting Your Indie Game the Right Way ⚖️
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵
Story time: Your indie game just hit 100K downloads. Congratulations!! 🎉
But then the legal nightmare begins... 🧵